This volume investigates the moral legitimacy of using the criminal law to prevent individuals from harming themselves. Joel Feinberg, a prominent legal philosopher, examines the limits of state intervention in personal autonomy. He evaluates the 'legal paternalism' principle, questioning whether the state has the authority to restrict an individual's liberty for their own benefit when no other parties are involved.

Legal scholars and philosophers frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the boundaries of state power in liberal societies. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires careful engagement with Feinberg's rigorous analytical methodology.